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Your new movie The
Things We Cannot Change - in a few words, what is it about, and
what can you tell us about your character in it?
The film takes a very unique approach as a horror film. While there is some
necessary blood and gore, the scary part is how the actors are dealing
with their own demons.
What
did you draw upon to bring your character to life, and how much Richard
Rampolla can we find in Dr. Abraham? I
drew upon my 40 years in education where I had numerous opportunities to
counsel adults as well as children. How did you get
involved with the project in the first place? I
have been taking classes with Joshua Nelson [Joshua
Nelson interview - click here], the writer and director,
for 5 years - including through the pandemic. This feature film came as
a great opportunity to work with a strong group of fellow actors. To what
extent could you identify with The
Things We Cannot Change's take on vampirism? I
can’t identify with vampirism at all but could definitely identify
with the challenges many of us have faced in our lives. Do talk
about The Things
We Cannot Change's director Joshua Nelson, and what was your collaboration
like? Josh, first and foremost, is a teacher who strives to get the best out of us
and challenges us to step out of our comfort zone whether it’s in
class or in front of the camera. He’s also develops well-written
scripts designed to let his actors shine.
The
Things We Cannot Change hasn't been the first time you've worked
with Joshua Nelson - so what can you tell us about your previous
collaborations, and how did you two first meet even?
While
taking an NYC cab to acting class, I saw a commercial that featured the
parent of students in the school where I was principal. The dad shared
that he worked with Josh at LaGuardia Acting School, and that kickstarted
our connection. I’ve worked with Josh on several projects: Looking for
Love in Lockdown, Mending My Mind, Healing by Fire, to name a few. Back
to The Things We
Cannot Change - what can you tell us about the shoot as such, and
the on-set atmosphere?
It was exciting to shoot in a number of locations, including my home where
the bathroom scene was filmed. I had worked with a majority of the
actors so I feel we all had a comfort level to our work. Months passed
before the recent premiere and I think many of us were not ready for the
ending - which brought the movie to a satisfying, wonderful close. Any future projects you'd like to
share?
Nothing currently but I’m continuing to take classes and I’m being coached
by a casting director I admire. What got you into acting in the first place, and
did you receive any formal training on the subject?
It started with voiceover classes. Then I was told that, to be successful
in voice work, I needed to take acting classes. Then I got offered
unpaid parts in movies and welcomed the opportunity and experience. What
can you tell us about your filmwork prior to The
Things We Cannot Change?
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My first role was a priest. I’ve done several shorts, dramatic and comic,
playing a store owner, math tutor, grief counselor and a treacherous
villain. I also played a horrible, misogynistic and racist CEO - which
was truly out of character for me. How would you describe
yourself as an actor, and some of your techniques to bring your characters
to life?
I’m
always in the process of learning. I LOVE taking classes and working
with other actors. It’s all about doing the work, showing up and
giving your best effort. I may not be right for a particular part, but my
goal is to make an impression so they remember me. Actors (and indeed actresses) who inspire you?
I’m sure there are but none are coming to mind. Your
favourite movies?
I’m
a BIG fan of Shawshank Redemption and love classics like To Have and
Have Not and noir films like Strangers on a Train. I also love
Dead Men
Don’t Wear Plaid - a great noir comedy starring Steve Martin.
... and of course, films you really
deplore? I can’t think of any that I dislike that strongly. Your website, social media, whatever else?
www.richardrampolla.com
Anything
else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? I can’t wait for a former student to reach out and tell me they saw
"Mr. Rampolla" on TV or in a movie. A little aside, during my
teaching career, I collected over 250 kid friendly ties - I never
repeated a tie during the school year. Thanks
for the interview!
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